Fairfield, CT, March 14, 2011 - Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen, joined by other dignitaries and educators, participated in a Delete Cyberbullying event at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club in Fairfield.  The event was televised on March 19 and 20 at 4:00 PM on News 12 Connecticut and is available for on-demand viewing on iO TV's News 12 Interactive on Channel 612 following the initial broadcasts.  Presented by Cablevision's Power to Learn program as part of a year-long public service initiative with regional Boys & Girls Clubs, Common Sense Media, and the Cartoon Network's Stop Bullying: Speak Up, the Town Hall event explored how parents and educators can best empower young people to combat cyberbullying and other challenges that exist through today's technology.

Video of Event  (03:15 mins)

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News 12 Connecticut Anchor Becky Surran served as the moderator for the 5-person panel that tackled the issue of Cyberbullying.  Members of the panel included Attorney General Jepsen, Common Sense Media's Vice President of Education Content & Curriculum, Anne Schreiber, Cartoon Network's Vice President of Social Responsibility, Alice Cahn, Stamford High School's Principal, Dr. Donna Valentine and Author Kathryn Rose. A Q&A with members of the audience followed and a PSA about the "Delete Cyberbullying" contest was played at the close of the program.  Students were then encouraged to sign a pledge against cyberbullying.

"While the Internet is an incredible educational tool, issues like cyberbullying can have devastating repercussions," noted Attorney General Jepsen.  "Now, young people can use websites, instant messaging and other virtual tools.  It's vital that we educate our youth regarding responsible online behavior.  Thanks to Cablevision's Internet Smarts program and open forums such as the one this evening, students can better understand the importance of treating others with dignity and respect."

Joe Andreana, Executive Director of the CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, said, "We have been addressing the importance of Internet safety for many years.  However, as the digital world continues to expand, it's even more important that we provide our youth with the knowledge necessary to safely navigate the web. We applaud Cablevision, Common Sense Media and the Cartoon Network for presenting this informative program this evening.  Hopefully educators, parents and students will come away with a clearer understanding of just how pervasive and serious this problem can be."